CHRISTCHURCH has been described as one of the south’s “retail success stories”, while Poole’s shopping scene has also been singled out for mention.

The upbeat amid comes despite a period of gloomy news for the UK’s high streets, with some famous names struggling or disappearing.

The annual Midsummer Retail Report, from real estate adviser Colliers International, is based on the average growth in retail rents.

Hal Clarke, the firm’s senior surveyor in retail agency for the south, highlighted Christchurch and Poole for the way they were responding to the state of the retail market locally.

“Christchurch represents a small, convenience-led destination with the retail offering well-aligned with what shoppers wants from its shopping environment,” he said.

“The town recorded a five per cent rental growth last year, which represents its third consecutive year of rental growth.

“We see Christchurch as an example for what can be achieved by a smaller town in the shadows of a larger, more dominant, centre. The key message here is don’t attempt to be something you are not.”

He said of Poole: “Refurbishment of the Dolphin Centre, Poole, is now almost complete with the Kingland Crescent retail and leisure development due to commence shortly.”

The plans for the Kingland Crescent area, around the former Argos store, include a nine-screen Empire cinema and four restaurants, due to open at the end of this year.

Mr Clarke said: “Polarisation between the ‘best and the rest’ retail locations is becoming increasingly apparent throughout the UK and this is no different for the South West.”

The south west overall saw prime rents grow 2.5 per cent in 2017, the highest rise outside London and the south east.

The report comes in the middle of a tough year for retailers, with rising rents and high business rates blamed by shops for many of their troubles.

So far, 2018 has seen the disappearance of Toys R Us and Maplin. Marks and Spencer has closed stores, while House of Fraser, New Look and Carpetright have all proposed branch closures as part of restructuring plans to deal with debt.